₦airaland Forum

So, people down south in Nigeria keep spreading all this wrong info about Plateau State. They’re saying things like the locals are getting kicked out, their lands are being renamed, and Hausa-Fulani folks are taking over everything. But, I mean, that’s just not what’s happening. Plateau is actually a cool, laid-back state with good vibes, tasty food, and a nightlife that’s honestly pretty fun. It’s nothing like the wild mess you hear about in the south. Yeah, there’s some trouble, but it’s way out in the countryside, not in the cities. And all that talk about land being given away for Ruga settlements? Total nonsense. The locals here are super protective of their land, they’ve been standing their ground for years. Like, take the Berom people, they’ve been pushing back against the Fulani forever. And when they heard Jaiz Bank, this Islamic bank, might fund fixing up Terminus Market, they were like, “No chance!” This is all about setting the record straight and shutting down the dumb rumors.

The Middle Belt, Plateau State, and the Truth Behind the Narratives

Nestled in the heart of Nigeria, the Middle Belt is a region of extraordinary diversity, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Stretching across central Nigeria, it serves as a geographical and cultural bridge between the predominantly Muslim north and the largely Christian south. This region, encompassing states like Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba, is known for its fertile lands, rolling hills, and vibrant communities. Among these states, Plateau stands out as a beacon of tranquility, cultural harmony, and economic potential, despite the misinformation and false narratives peddled by some media outlets and individuals, particularly from southern Nigeria. These narratives paint a distorted picture of insecurity, forced resettlement, and land renaming, which could not be further from the truth. This piece aims to set the record straight, celebrating Plateau’s unique character while debunking the myths that threaten to tarnish its image.

At the heart of the Middle Belt lies Plateau State, with its capital, Jos, serving as a hub of culture, commerce, and nightlife. Plateau is a land of breathtaking landscapes and agricultural richness, its fertile soils yielding an abundance of crops like Irish potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, yams, and millet. This agricultural prowess has earned it a reputation as one of Nigeria’s key food baskets, with bustling markets overflowing with fresh produce. Jos, in particular, is a city alive with energy; its food scene is a delight, offering local delicacies like gwote (a vegetable dish) and kunu (a millet-based drink) alongside a variety of cosmopolitan options. The nightlife is equally captivating, with music venues, clubs, and cultural festivals lighting up the evenings, creating a sense of joy and community.

Unlike the chaotic, overcrowded cities of southern Nigeria, such as Lagos or Port Harcourt, Jos offers a refreshing contrast. Life here is quieter, safer, and easier to live in, with a cool climate, affordable living costs, and a well-planned urban layout. Residents often describe Plateau as a haven of peace, free from the gridlock and infrastructure challenges that plague the south. This serene environment, coupled with its natural beauty and economic opportunities, makes Plateau a special place, distinct from the hustle and bustle of southern Nigeria.

Debunking the False Narratives: Security and Land Myths

Despite its many strengths, Plateau State has been unfairly targeted by misinformation, especially from southern media and individuals who exaggerate the state’s security challenges. These false narratives claim that Plateau is a hotbed of violence, with locals being resettled, their lands renamed, and territories occupied by Hausa-Fulani groups. Such stories are not only inaccurate but also divisive, aimed at sowing fear and mistrust.
The truth is that Plateau State, particularly Jos, is quite safe and stable. While there have been incidents of violence, these are mostly confined to the outskirts and rural areas, and despite that, the locals don't automatically start running, selling or leaving their burnt houses/lands, far from that. These clashes, though unfortunate, are isolated and do not reflect the overall security situation in the state. Urban centers like Jos remain peaceful, with residents going about their daily lives without fear.

One of the most persistent lies is that locals are being resettled and their lands renamed or allocated to Hausa-Fulani settlers, often tied to the so-called Ruga scheme. This is categorically false. No part of Plateau has been designated for Ruga or any form of occupation by Hausa-Fulani groups. The Ruga initiative, a federal proposal to create settlements for pastoralists, was met with fierce resistance from Plateau’s people and government, and it was never implemented in the state. Claims of land renaming or forced displacement are baseless fabrications, unsupported by evidence and refuted by the lived reality of Plateau’s diverse ethnic groups, who remain firmly in control of their ancestral territories.

The locals of Plateau State are deeply attached to their lands, viewing them as a sacred inheritance tied to their identity and survival. For over two decades, indigenous tribes like the Berom have stood resolute in defending their territories against perceived encroachments, particularly from Fulani pastoralists. This struggle dates back to tensions in the early 2000s, including the 2001 Jos crisis, which was sparked by disputes over political representation and indigene rights. The Berom, one of the state’s largest ethnic groups, have been especially vigilant, often referring to Jos as their “Jerusalem” to underscore its cultural and spiritual significance.

This defense is not driven by aggression but by a legitimate desire to protect their heritage and livelihoods. The Berom and other groups, such as the Anaguta and Afizere, have consistently resisted pressures, whether from grazing disputes or political maneuvers, that threaten their control over their lands. Their efforts have ensured that Plateau remains a stronghold of indigenous culture and autonomy, countering any narrative of external domination.

A striking example of this vigilance came with the proposal to rebuild the famous Terminus Market in Jos. When it was revealed that Jaiz Bank, an Islamic financial institution, would sponsor the project, the locals rejected it outright. For many in Plateau, particularly the predominantly Christian indigenous communities, the involvement of an Islamic bank in a major public project raised concerns about external influence over their economic and cultural space. Protective of their sovereignty, they opposed the plan, leading to its suspension. This incident reflects not prejudice but a deep commitment to maintaining local control, rooted in a history of safeguarding their identity against outside pressures.

Setting the Record Straight

The misinformation about Plateau State, whether about security, resettlement, or land occupation, often stems from ignorance or deliberate attempts to exploit ethnic and religious divides. These false narratives paint a bad picture of a state that is, in reality, a model of resilience and harmony. Plateau is not a land of chaos but a land of peace, prosperity, and pride. Its cities bustle with life, its farmlands thrive, and its people are united in preserving their way of life.

Violence, where it occurs, is limited to the outskirts and does not define the state. No land has been allocated for Ruga or Hausa-Fulani occupation, and the renaming of villages is a myth. The rejection of the Jaiz Bank project underscores the locals’ dedication to their values, not intolerance. It’s time to stop the false narratives and the distorted portrayals by ignorant voices, particularly from southern Nigeria. Plateau State deserves to be seen for what it truly is: a fruitful, vibrant, and safe haven, a shining example of Nigeria’s potential for peace and progress. Let’s celebrate it, not slander it.

Plateau State, And The Truth Behind The Narratives By Cutezt

Na wa o..







Nigeria is so complex aswear!





You won't understand what the reality is till you clinch any leadership office...



May God help us sha...



In all I AM FOR PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU (PBAT) COME SHINE. COME RAIN ☔

Plateau The beautiful with lots of vibes. We love you

If the aim of the killings is not to take over there land, what is the reason for that?

Are you saying all the news about violence and killings in Plateau state are false?

Are you saying also that the violence and killings in Benue state are exaggerated?

Why is the middle belt singled out for false reports?

Is indeed a blessed and peaceful place to be with amazing people.. if you want peace they are ready and if you want war they are ever ready to give it to you.. no foreigner can ever take over plateau state from the local.. I lived in Jos for over 30 years now,rayfield to precised

Op you have done well. Jos is a wonderful city. Certain villages in plateau north and central are not safe

Cutezt:
Plateau State, And The Truth Behind The Narratives By Cutezt

Bro, rest abeg. Mahanga- Jol(area behind Yakubu Gowon Airport down to Kura) axis have been taking over by the marauding fulanis even though there's relative peace in the city. Plateau State really needs investors 👌💯

Terror'st also pay the media to spread lies and claim it is not a religious conflict.

Does it change the fact that people are being killed in plateau state?


I remember when osisikankwu terrorize ABA and it environ but the moment government decided that it was over for him the military was deployed and in a matter of days he was captured and killed and that was the end of his kidnapping menace in aba


So what's stopping the government from doing the same in the middle belt what's stopping them from decimating the terrorists who hides under the disguise of Fulani herdsmen?

This your propaganda doesn't fly. The governor of plateau state who is the chief security officer of the state gave the story of some communities taken over by Fulani terrorists and you're here saying otherwise.

Arrant nonsense

the most painful thing is people saying it is the karma of biafr@

where is our people's conscience?

aren't herdmen in the east to scattering place?

why would people be rejoicing over the massacre happening in benue, jos and co


We have lost our humanity

are these people below humans or animal in sheep clothing?

Karlman:
During the Biafran war some benue people were involved in the murder of fleeing Igbos.

Now see what is happening to them.

kettykin:
This is the more reason why igbos need to be very watchful we don't know If this is retribution for killing of igbos or killing of the Fulanis. Atom kpera from Benue was even among the 5 majors that struck in Jan 15th 1966 , before then there was the Tiv riots that came up and which the prime minister ordered to be fuelled with full force but the Igbo soldier deployed to quell it handled the situation with diplomacy

Karlman:
Did people of benue state took part in murdering fleeing igbo civilians during the biafra war or not?

Are we gonna shy away from the truth?

KosiGee:
Pls stop this nonsense. This line of thought make all of us Igbos look stupid and hateful. Fulani herdsmen are in the Eastern part of Nigeria. We are also dealing with bandits, kidnappers and all sorts.
Are those also retribution for fighting to break away?
Eastern part of Nigeria is dealing with drug menace and it’s not funny. Are these retribution for our folks dealing drugs coupled with high incidence of fake drugs and beverages linked to our people.

It’s embarrassing every time this sort of attacks happens and one of us like you are doing now start shouting Gowon, Lord Lugard, 1967, civil war etc.

Stop this nonsense sir.

Plateau is no more home or peace and tourists again,it as changed to home of massacre, blood shed and political tussle.

themosthigh:
Plateau State lies at Nigeria’s center, where cultures have long mixed. During the civil war, its natives, lead by General Gowon who is a Plateau Christian, were used to support the federal side in expelling and killing Igbos. Yet after the war, they too faced attacks from within, and began to cry “they are killing Christians” . Did they remember Christianity when they were killing Igbos before and during the war? Did Gowon remember Igbos where Christians when he starved 2 million of them the death?

Today, tribal clashes often with Hausa-Fulani groups are reframed as religious persecution, drawing Christian sympathy from the South. But many of these conflicts are ethnic at their core, not religious, and outsiders often get drawn into a narrative that oversimplifies the truth. But we should all forgive and forget and help protect anyone who is being oppressed irrespective of their background and evils deeds of their fathers

Are the Igbos speard in both jos and their homeland when the terrorist strike? You're naive, Igbos Occupies 4 council wards in the city Council of Jos, Hausas 5 and Yorubas two.

This carnage happening in Nigeria goes round. If you play a blame game, no region is safe

Cutezt:
Plateau State, And The Truth Behind The Narratives By Cutezt

Some of your narrative is not correct! I am from Plateau. Some of our villages are under the control of Fulani herdmens backed by Buhari through buratai when he was chief of army staff. They even dig boreholes to them. And give them all the necessary cover!

The truth about the Plateau like many other middle belt region is about gracing land which the Fulanis needs our conical mountains with lush green grasses, the initially conived with Hausas and declared Jihad which means to eradicate Christians and take over the lands. The Hausas have now become their victims which has long been the Fulani's tactics of land grabbing and power ( Using Islam)

Until date we are battling with the Fulanis in remote villages bordering Kaduna and Nasarawa. Now they are not in power that's why the attacks against is has reduced

Oga ,you are talking bullshit.i worked in riyom bout three years ago.fulanis have taken over some lands in riyom.ypu are here writing rubbish.continue to fool yourself.the whole of bauchi road and unijos is occupied by who.yeye write up

Cutezt:
Plateau State, And The Truth Behind The Narratives By Cutezt

Truth be told..... Every Nigerian always had that dreams of travelling to Jos because of the climate (Weather), mountains and fruits, in short just for vacation.

But that has changed totally because of the killings in Plateau state and it's happening in Benue too

Definitely there's rapid ethnic cleansing going on in the Middle Belt region and you are afraid to say it.

Jos is really underrated. Very cool whether and good calm people.

Let the death PR begins while the ethnic cleansing continues unabated

you cant wake a man that pretends to be asleep .
this man here have refused to wake up

Something is wrong somewhere in this country of ours.

Moventist:
Some of your narrative is not correct! I am from Plateau. Some of our villages are under the control of Fulani herdmens backed by Buhari through buratai when he was chief of army staff. They even dig boreholes to them. And give them all the necessary cover!

The truth about the Plateau like many other middle belt region is about gracing land which the Fulanis needs our conical mountains with lush green grasses, the initially conived with Hausas and declared Jihad which means to eradicate Christians and take over the lands. The Hausas have now become their victims which has long been the Fulani's tactics of land grabbing and power ( Using Islam)

Until date we are battling with the Fulanis in remote villages bordering Kaduna and Nasarawa. Now they are not in power that's why the attacks against is has reduced

I also share in your opinion and submission. The OP is either misinformed, using third party information, in government or high on something.

People need to leave Lagos, Ibadan and Abuja, travel to other parts of the country before writing on what they don't have first hand experience of.

Even fulani terrorists are on media. Never let them gaslight you. So u want to believe this writer? Now all of a sudden, fulanis are not interested in stealing peoples' lands again?

U guys should think. Why this writeup just when the Benue massacres got the widespread attention it deserves once and for all?

Let fulani return sokoto and ilorin first. Maybe we go begin believe them. Thieves.

You are just writing this to please your pay masters, anybody can write this but reality on ground is clear

Moventist:
Are the Igbos speard in both jos and their homeland when the terrorist strike? You're naive, Igbos Occupies 4 council wards in the city Council of Jos, Hausas 5 and Yorubas two.

This carnage happening in Nigeria goes round. If you play a blame game, no region is safe

I have never heard an apology to the Igbos from plateau people or elders. When I hear it, I will be happy. Most of the killings are in rural areas, not in the towns where most foreigners live, so don’t come and drag people into your issues needlessly with false narratives.

Uchefame:
If the aim of the killings is not to take over there land, what is the reason for that?

id4sho:
Bro, rest abeg. Mahanga- Jol(area behind Yakubu Gowon Airport down to Kura) axis have been taking over by the marauding fulanis even though there's relative peace in the city. Plateau State really needs investors 👌💯

Definitely, the aim is to take over the land; however, the narrative out there is that the Fulani/government has taken over these lands already and are renaming it, but that is far from the truth. People whose houses were burnt in this violence still stay in these communities, rebuilding and getting their lives back together, while being more vigilant.

Beremx:
This your propaganda doesn't fly. The governor of plateau state who is the chief security officer of the state gave the story of some communities taken over by Fulani terrorists and you're here saying otherwise.

Arrant nonsense

When he says 'taken over', he doesn't mean these herdsmen now live there as their own, he simply means they attack there every now and then, definitely with the aim to occupy, but the locals there still live there, and nowhere is being renamed. It is impossible for anyone to take over the plateau state, that is why a muslim can never be governor or deputy there. The plateau people guard their lands jealously.

id4sho:
Bro, rest abeg. Mahanga- Jol(area behind Yakubu Gowon Airport down to Kura) axis have been taking over by the marauding fulanis even though there's relative peace in the city. Plateau State really needs investors 👌💯

The Fulani has quite a number there; however, the locals still very much live there. Riyom is being occupied by the Beroms. The fulani tried to change the community name to Mahanga, which is a Hausa word, but that name never stuck. Today, when you go there, the government school there is still called N'omadic Primary School Rafin Acha, Jol Ward Riyom LGA. So if the Fulani has taken control of the place and are renaming it, why then is the School not named Nomadic Primary School Mahanga when it was established? Have you asked who the chairman of the Jol word is? You guessed right, a Berom man named Bature Sati Shuwa, the king of Jol is His Royal Highness Da Thomas Darian Dafwol, so how have they displaced the locals entirely?

the locals simply live there with them.

themosthigh:
Plateau State lies at Nigeria’s center, where cultures have long mixed. During the civil war, its natives, lead by General Gowon who is a Plateau Christian, were used to support the federal side in expelling and killing Igbos. Yet after the war, they too faced attacks from within, and began to cry “they are killing Christians” .

Did they remember Christianity when they were killing Igbos before and during the war? Did Gowon remember Igbos where Christians when he starved and killed 2 million of them?

Today, tribal clashes often with Hausa-Fulani groups are reframed as religious persecution, drawing Christian sympathy from the South. But many of these conflicts are ethnic at their core, not religious, and outsiders often get drawn into a narrative that oversimplifies the truth. But we should all forgive and forget and help protect anyone who is being oppressed irrespective of their background and evils deeds of their fathers

I don't understand this guy. Don't you guys want middle belts vote again or Obi no go need middle belts again? why are you so bitter about plateau news?